During Manchester City’s match versus Arsenal, there was an incredible struggle for supremacy between Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes. The Gunners knew going into the Etihad Stadium that eliminating their Premier League championship opponents was essential after Liverpool’s victory against Brighton lifted them to the top of the table.

There were few opportunities in the first half, and the second half was even less so as Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta both yearned for dominance. Liverpool now leads the table by two points with 67, followed by the Gunners on 65 and Man City on 64, as neither team was able to score a point.

The key players on both teams will be expected to deliver a magical moment in these kinds of close games, with Haaland being one of City’s options. But William Saliba and Gabriel kept the Norway international quiet, as the attacker was unable to test David Raya as all three of his attempts were either off target or blocked.

Particularly in the closing moments, the tight battle between Gabriel and Haaland was particularly exciting, with the latter feeling as though he had been fouled in the penalty area. The Brazil international did not hide his emotions as he yelled at Haaland following the incident, but referee Anthony Taylor ignored those shouts.

Then, at halftime, the two got back together and engaged in fervent conversation, albeit in jest. Pep Guardiola and Declan Rice were also there for the conversation, during which the Man City manager pushed aside his lucky charm. Haaland, however, said nothing more than “good game” and gave the Brazilian a hug as the cameras captured their parting comments.

Although Gabriel gave a good performance, Saliba, his center-back partner who was absent from the match the previous season, stole the show and was awarded player of the match. Saliba was eager to commend Gabriel and his teammates for their effort in the encounter, though, in his post-match interview.

“We know this is the best team in the world so we have to be focused on the game,” he stated to Sky Sports. “We didn’t give up, but we also didn’t score as much. That is all—we are delighted. Gabriel is good; he really helps me. That’s why I’m good. We played well, in my opinion, since not only him but the entire team runs back when we lose the ball.”